Starting May 1 the Crisis Centre will be taking over the operation of the Chippewa St. low barrier shelter.
It will be responsible for day-to-day operations, staffing the facility, ensuring the well-being of clients, and providing security.
See: What's next for North Bay's low-barrier shelter?
The search for a new partner to operate North Bay's low-barrier shelter began after the Nipissing Mental Health Housing and Support Services (NMHHSS) announced it would no longer serve as the operator.
“Operating the LBS has placed a considerable strain on our resources and impacted other parts of our agency,” said Executive Director May Davis. “We have come to recognize we can no longer continue to operate a 24/7 crisis service and believe there are other community partners who are better suited to deliver these services over the long-term.
See: Social agency pulls support after syringe stabbing
NMHHSS has been working in partnership with the District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board (DNSSAB) in running the shelter, which over the last year has been located at various places, including the YMCA and Pete Palangio Arena.
It is presently located on the former OPP property on Chippewa Street West.
DNSSAB Chair Mark King says the funding and agreement with the Crisis Centre puts the project in a tremendous spot.
"Shortly, we'll also be announcing the opening of 16 transitional beds inside the Gateway House which will further alleviate the flow pressures we currently have at the low barrier shelter, so it's tremendous news for DNSSAB and tremendous news for the community."
King told BayToday that the Crisis Centre will be a better fit in running the shelter.
"Yes, without question. NMHHSS stepped up to the plate but with all of the other operations that they tried to handle it was probably very, very difficult for them from an operational standpoint. The Crisis Centre has been doing this for years and they are extremely well-placed because we work with them constantly. All the overflow actually goes through the Crisis Centre. It's going to be an easy transition."
